“I am never without a cloud of fear,’’ woman says of gun incident involving politician
Patricia MacIntosh says she hopes her lawsuit against a Grand Traverse County commissioner will protect our fundamental rights to free speech without retaliation. Author: John Hogan Updated: 6:56 PM EDT April 13, 2021
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. A Traverse City woman who contends an elected official used an AR-15 rifle to intimidate her during a virtual Board meeting says she is haunted by the incident, which has injured our entire community.’’
“I am never without a cloud of fear over my life,’’ 74-year-old Patricia MacIntosh said. “However, I am not the only one who has been hurt. This incident has injured our entire community.’’
Credit Grand Traverse County
At times, Keli MacIntosh had to take a deep breath before getting her words out.
During an emotional testimony Tuesday, she explained why she decided to sue Commissioner Ron Clous and Grand Traverse County.
“I will act, even though quite honestly, based on what has happened thus far, I am concerned for my safety,” she said.
The litigation stems from a virtual public meeting in January, when MacIntosh asked county officials to denounce violence from the Capitol insurrection, and specifically from the Proud Boys.
In the midst of her comment, Commissioner Ron Clous left his screen, then returned carrying a rifle.
WATCH: Woman suing Grand Traverse County holds press conference
AP
FILE - In this file image from a Zoom meeting provided by the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners, Grand Traverse County Commissioner Ron Clous holds a rifle at his home during a county commissioners meeting Jan. 20, 2021, in Michigan. Clous displayed the rifle during the online meeting in response to a citizen s comments about a far-right extremist group, drawing backlash from some local residents. (Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners via AP, File)
By: FOX 17
and last updated 2021-04-13 12:06:28-04
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. â The woman suing the Grand Traverse County Commission after Commissioner Ron Clous pulled out a gun during a public comment session during a virtual meeting held a news conference Tuesday morning.
Lawsuit: Gun incident during virtual public comment infringed on First Amendment rights
AP
FILE - In this file image from a Zoom meeting provided by the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners, Grand Traverse County Commissioner Ron Clous holds a rifle at his home during a county commissioners meeting Jan. 20, 2021, in Michigan. Clous displayed the rifle during the online meeting in response to a citizen s comments about a far-right extremist group, drawing backlash from some local residents. (Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners via AP, File)
and last updated 2021-04-12 11:59:40-04
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. â A lawsuit filed against a Traverse City commissioner after he showed a gun during public comment says Commissioner Ron Clous threatened First Amendment rights and caused emotional injury to the woman who had spoken just before the incident.
9 & 10 News Your resolution of redress is not good enough.” -Rebecca, GT County Resident
January 28, 2021
Dozens of citizens lined up for public comment, and hundreds tuned in virtually to a Special Session of the Grand Traverse County Commissioners.
County Board members are holding a rare Special Session Thursday – to discuss whether it’s appropriate to display a weapon during a virtual meeting.
It comes after last week’s regular board meeting, when Commissioner Ron Clous stood up during public comment about the 2
nd amendment, left the frame of the virtual meeting, and returned into view holding his firearm. That caused Chairman Rob Hentschel to chuckle.